The Break Down

Back in time... enjoy our first episode! This is where it all began.

Our very first podcast is born! Welcome! Sean and Meghan talk about where their lives are now, why this podcast is important, and they make a decent attempt to recreate the conversations they have during long runs.

Outtake song: Drive by Truckers, We Ain’t Never Gonna Change

We continue profiling stories from the mid pack and bring mid pack athletes onto the podcast. In this episode Meg and Sean down with Marc Kelly a Connecticut ultrarunner and Sean's friend. Marc lets us into his “why” and his internal motivation and how he stepped up his training in recent years and with renewed focus has created a world he loves being a part of. This is highlighted by Marc regaling us with stories from the Jigger Johnson 100 mile trail race. If after listening to this podcast you don’t want to hit the trails with Marc you might not have a soul. His personality and love of his family and friends shines through in this episode.

Outtake song: Dylan Gossett, "Coal"

Coaches Meghan, Sean, and Sam talk with Chris Wristen founder of Mass Ultra. Chris created Mass Ultra covers ultra races in Massachusetts. Chris talks about moving to Massachusetts with his wife and how he used his education in journalism and background to help him become a part of the ultra running community. He discussed how the ultra community and sport has grown over the past ten years. Chris discussed his thoughts on the recent UTMB controversy. Chris also talks about the importance of the stories from the middle of the pack a focus for us on this podcast. If you’re interested in checking out Chris and what’s going on in the Massachusetts ultra scene here are some links to find him. 

Twitter: https://x.com/massultra_ma?s=21&t=fFkYrFMB62n_xLa6NZhjMw

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063523571955

Chris' Websites: https://chriswristen.com & https://massultra.com

Chaos, laughter, and fun continue with the whole ZenduranceNow Gang! Coaches Meghan, Sean, and Sam talk about their favorite full length records. We hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording this. This is part 2 of 2. 

Outtake Song: "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Part 2" Pink Floyd

We have a great podcast for you! Chaos, laughter, and fun with the whole ZenduranceNow Gang! Coaches Meghan, Sean, and Sam talk about their favorite full length records. We hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording this. This is part 1 of 2. 

Outtake Song: "Songbird," Fleetwood Mac

You are in for a big treat. Join us for this special Christmas podcast episode with Finn Meehan. Finn was coached by his dad, our very own Coach Sean. Finn talks about his first 5k and then about his most recent 5k when he beat his previous time by 10 minutes!! Finn made us laugh so much and even told very embarrassing stories about his dad that had Meghan laughing and doubled over in tears. Finn is an incredible young man and is a great reminder that our sport can be challenging but it should always be fun.

Outtake song: The Pogues, "Fairytale of New York"

Meghan and Sean sit down with the amazing Race Director and athlete Amy Rusiecki. We talk about how she was introduced into the ultra/trail running community and her personal accomplishments in the sport. We discuss how Amy went from running the Bill Koch Ski League to  becoming the race director of the Vermont 100 mile and 7 Sisters trail races. We dive into inclusivity in ultra running and how Amy is using her platform to promote LGBTQ+ and women in sport. Finishing up we all discuss the upcoming race season and Amy talks to us from both her perspective as a race director and as a runner. 

If you are interested in checking out any of Amy’s races you can find them here: https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.org/beast-coast-trail-running-series, https://vermont100.com. If you’d like to read some articles from Amy you can find them in Ultrarunning Magazine https://ultrarunning.com. 

Outtake Song: OK Go, "Here it Goes Again"

Meghan and Sean sit down and catch up with Coach Sam after his amazing success at the Javelina Jundred 100 mile race. Sam brought with him a very special guest; his daughter, pacer, and crew Sophia. During this conversation with Sam and Sophia we talk about how the race unfolded and Sophia’s roll in helping Sam achieve his goals in Arizona. Sam battled through the heat of the desert sun and the typical ultra marathon issues to successfully navigate his way to a successful finish. Coach Sam shares his experiences Sophia’s perspective on the event and crewing for her Father makes it very special. And like Sophia, Meg and Sean want to say that we’re proud of you.

Outtake Song: Tom Petty, "Maggie's Got a Car"

Sean has been dealing with some illness and injury that most likely resulted from his lack of recovery after an intense racing season. Pivot to "What to Watch." Meghan discussed the movie "Nyad" on Netflix and how it really inspired her. Sean’s discussed "Welcome to Wrexham" on Hulu. They next discuss recent events in endurance sports including issues that with Ironman / UTMB and Harvey Lewis’s record setting performance at Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra.

Check out our new YouTube Channel @ZenduranceNow 

Outtake Song: Joni Mitchell, "Woodstock"

Coaches Meghan and Sean talk with Coach Sam prior to his run at Javelina Jundred 100 mile race in Arizona. After a brief talk about what Sam’s plans are to successfully execute we get into how Sam approaches his "taper" also known as pre race prep and chill. Sam takes us through his weeks prior to the race and how he deals with the drop in running mileage. Sean and Meghan offer their personal insights into how they deal with tapers and the effects from tapering. The conversation shifts to how Sam plans to deal with post race blues if they come up. Sean spends some time explaining how he loses his mind after a race. We all express the feelings of gratitude that accompany a race finish for all those that were a part of the journey. We close by sending Sam off with good vibes to conquer his race in the desert.

Outtake Song: Hothouse Flowers, "I Can See Clearly Now"